Copy
Ocean Discovery League Newsletter | June 2023

This has been a challenging week for the ocean exploration community, and our hearts and thoughts are with the family and friends of all those involved in the tragic loss of the Titan submersible. 

While speaking with the media this week on the immense challenges involved in deep ocean exploration, I'm still struck by how little the public is aware of this vast landscape. Through this tragedy, I'm hopeful that a renewed sense of interest will emerge, and we here at ODL are reminded of the importance of our mission to keep exploring.

In this pursuit, we are pleased to introduce our new Maka Niu test users, the Quinault Indian Nation, whose rich heritage and intimate understanding of the ocean will contribute immensely to our mission. 

Also this week, the Polynesian Voyaging Society's Hōkūleʻa voyaging canoe departed Juneau, launching its Moananuiākea Voyage to circumnavigate the Pacific. In the words of PVS, "She is more than a voyaging canoe—she represents the common desire shared by the people of Hawaii, the Pacific, and the World to protect our most cherished values and places from disappearing." We are honored to partner with them to provide ocean exploration tools and guidance as their journey progresses. 

These partnerships remind us of the resilience and unwavering spirit that defines the human quest for knowledge. Our collective dedication as an ocean community drives us forward, even in the face of adversity, to achieve our vision of a discovered, thriving ocean.

Dr. Katy Croff Bell
Founder & President
Ocean Discovery League

Fostering Relationships with Quinault Indian Nation

Quinault Indian Nation Deployments
Last month, we had the honor of co-hosting a two-day training and deployment workshop with the Division of Natural Resources of the Quinault Indian Nation in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, in an effort spearheaded by Scott Mazzone, marine and shellfish biologist for the tribe.

Mazzone and the Division of Natural Resources are the newest members to the Maka Niu community and were the first recipients of our new Maka Niu light module. Learn more about the workshop in Dr. Jessica Sandoval's blog post here.

News

Fathomverse advert
FathomVerse: Explore the Final Frontier on Earth
As part of the Ocean Vision AI project, the team is developing a new, immersive video game that invites players to train an AI to identify elusive marine animals. 
Sign up to test the game here.
Hokulea Crew

Hōkūleʻa Launches Moananuiākea Voyage
Voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa officially started her four-year Pacific circumnavigation on June 18, setting sail from Juneau, Alaska. Hōkūleʻa will sail through Alaska, British Columbia, and Seattle from June to September, with her sister canoe, Hikianalia, joining the journey in Seattle in August. From September to December, they will continue down the West Coast of the US. Read More Here

Santorini at sunset

Volcanic Tsunami Hazards: What can the Santorini seafloor tell us?
Dr. Katy Croff Bell co-published with researchers from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre of Ocean Research Kiel, their findings on the marks that imprinted the seafloor around Santorini to find out what caused an ancient tsunami 3,600 years ago. Their findings will contribute to better tsunami hazard assessments at other marine volcanoes. Read Paper Here

Better Worlds Podcast

Better Worlds Podcast with Veta Wade
Join Veta Wade (Fish 'N Fins founder) and Ocean Host Kate Wing as they discuss Fish 'N Fins, a program bridging swimming, marine biology, and science for children. Hear from Veta, about her work as a marine ecologist specializing in MPAs, low-cost underwater imaging systems and how they interact with each other, as well as with local communities and fisheries. Listen to the Episode Here

Upcoming Events

Data Network

OceanHackWeek 2023 (OHW23)
August 7-11 and August 8-12
OHW23 will take a hybrid form consisting of a virtual event, and in-person events in Seattle, US, and in Western Australia. The program consists of hands-on tutorials, visual presentations, and collaborative hack projects throughout a 5-day period. Register Here

Blue glowing jelly fish

COBRA Webinar: Perspectives on the Deep Ocean in Global Climate Negotiations and Ocean CDR Strategies
July 11, 2023, 3:00 - 4:30 pm EST
The webinar presents the work along the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus, highlighting the Ocean and Climate Dialogue at the UN Climate Conference and identifying current areas of focus, such as Ocean Carbon Dioxide Removal. 
Register Here

Opportunities

Job posting: Science Coordinator, Ocean Census
Ocean Census is searching for a Science Coordinator to work closely with the Science Director in the development and implementation of the science program. Desired experience includes a background in marine biology, preferably to Masters or Ph.D. level, as well as research experience in marine biodiversity or taxonomy.
Deadline: June 30, 2023

Fellowship Programs: Smithsonian's New In-Residence Fellowship Programs
As part of the Smithsonian's new initiative, Our Shared Future: Life on a Sustainable Planet, three new in-residence fellowship programs are being launched. Each program will support a cohort of 2-5 fellows for a period of two years. Fellows will receive a stipend to conduct independent research that utilizes Smithsonian resources (e.g., data, facilities, expertise).
Deadline: August 31, 2023

Research Applications: Schmidt's Expressions of Interest aboard R/V Falkor (too)
SOI is soliciting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for collaborative, multidisciplinary research at any time and for any location identified as an area of operation for R/V Falkor (too). EOIs and full proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed twice per year.
Deadline: Rolling

Funding: Mobility & Travel Grants in Partnership with Small Island Developing States
Ireland's Our Shared Ocean Program has opened calls for mobility and travel grants intended for members from Small Island Developing States (in the Caribbean, Pacific, and AIMS). The funding may cover travel costs to international conferences and workshops, or to participate in research cruises to gain experience.
Deadline: July 7, September 1, November 3, 2023 and onward.

Funding: COBRA Early Career Accelerator Stipends
COBRA is continuing to accept applications for their small accelerator stipends to accelerate the training of early career participants. These funds can be used for any type of training activity, and are expected to establish direct linkages among individuals to result in a more well-connected community and the development of future COBRA researchers and leaders.
Deadline: Rolling

For more funding and job opportunities, follow our friends at SEVENSEAS Media and sign up for their weekly opportunities newsletter.

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation. Your contribution will help us sustain and grow our programs, and make a positive difference in the ocean communities that we serve!
Donate
Photo Credits: 
Polynesian Voyaging Society
Instagram
Twitter
Website
YouTube
LinkedIn
Facebook
Received this from a friend and want to sign up for our newsletter? Click here!
Copyright © 2023 Ocean Discovery League, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ocean Discovery League is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Corporation

Our mailing address is:
PO Box 182, Saunderstown, RI 02874

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.